As you can imagine, I always felt like I was overpaying for insurance. Then I discovered Metromile. They confirmed my suspicions. For proof, here’s my quote from them:

At a base rate of just $49.60 per month, with an additional per mile cost of just $0.077, it’s a staggering savings. Let’s do some simple math. Say I drive 500 miles a month. That’s an additional $38.5. Factor in my base rate for a total of $88.10 per month.

That’s a savings of $121.90 a month on car insurance by switching to Metromile.

So I called Progressive and requested a rate adjustment, or at least a discount, but they could do neither. You can guess what my next decision was. So, what’s the best insurance for low mileage drivers? Metromile.

Metromile Review

Because Metromile offers car insurance policies with a low base rate, this will help you save money from the get-go. But, the real savings is based on the number of miles you drive.

If, like me, you don’t drive often, this will allow you to keep low premiums on your insurance policy. Other reasons Metromile intrigued me:

Pay your insurance with a credit card

True pay per mile insurance company

Takes less than 2 min. to get a quote

Plus no cancellation fees so it’s risk-free

Metromileinsurance company offers prime rate auto insurance policies for drivers with low annual mileage. So, the more you drive the more rates will change.

Metromile is unique in that they offer competitive rates based on how much you drive. They track this using a pulse device. Another key point is that, in addition to pay-per-mile coverage, low-mileage drivers also benefit from the same options as other insurance companies.

Metromile doesn’t sell or share your driving or mileage data

This includes property damage, bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage, for example. (More on that later in this Metromile review).

MetromileInsurance Quotes

For this Metromile insurance review, we assume you’ll be able to use their pulsewireless device. This device is what they use to track your mileage. It connects directly into the OBD-II port of any newer vehicle.

Roadside assistance from Metromile is a valuable add-on.

You can get help fixing a flat tire, or drive knowing that a towing service is only a phone call away. The contract specifies the number of miles covered under the policy. These miles are traced by the Metromilepulse device. (More on that later in this Metromile review).

Metromile Coverage Areas

At our time of writing, Metromile coverage areas include: New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Arizona, California, Washington, Oregon and Pennsylvania. If you’re not in a Metromile coverage area, don’t worry. They’re adding new locations regularly, and as they do, we’ll update this Metromile review.

Metromile Coverage Options

In addition, this insurance provider offers four distinct levels of liability protection. This makes it easy for you to choose the right level for your needs. There are also choices available for both collision and comprehensive coverage deductibles. This allows you to have more control over your budget.

Select the right level for your number of miles, and get the right type of coverage for your situation. For example, rental car insurance coverage is optional, and this means you must request it before you make that road trip happen.

Collision coverage is not the same as comprehensive or full coverage plans. These terms matter a lot when it comes to an insurance policy. It’s important to understand how insurance quotes are determined before selecting an insurance option.

Liability coverage is required to pay for bodily injury and property damage if you’re at fault. But you may need additional coverage if you want repairs covered, as an example. Keep in mind that a lot of coverage means a lot of money. So, Metromile was able to make waves in the insurance industry by offering coverage based on the number of miles.

Every state requires liability coverage.

You can also buy rental car insurance through the rental company. Rental reimbursement rates are determined by the specific policy, so speak with an agent about your needs.

In California, Metromile will cover any vehicle. Cars worth more than $100k may not be eligible. But again, it all depends on the make and model. Curious? Just enter your VIN, make or model when you get a quote with Metromile.

MetromilePulse Device

Metromile offers low rates to drivers based on the information collected through it’s pulse device.

It gets connected to your car’s diagnostic port. This is called the OBD-II port, and it is necessary for the pulse device to function.

Note: your car might not have the proper OBD-II port if the vehicle is over 20 years old.

The Metromile pulse device will also provide you with an alert if there is a reason why your vehicle needs to be moved from the current location. The data sent through the pulse device allows the company to receive information about the mileage. This is how the insurance rates are determined. Metromile insurance offers a per-mile rate that appeals to customers who are willing to limit their driving to save money.

How OBD-II Ports Function

Metromile’s use-based system is possible because of the OBD-II, which is part of any new car’s diagnostic port. It stands for the on-board diagnostics port. The technology started in California as a method for monitoring vehicle emissions. All vehicles made after 1988 are required to have them.

The OBD-I is found in cars before 1996, and the OBD-II is found in cars made after that year. This is the same port technology that allows the check engine light to turn on if there is a problem.

Metromile can use it to track mileage to offer lower mileage-based premiums. (More on their mileage tracking device later in this Metromile review).

Metromile Base Rate

Costs to switch to Metromile vary on a per applicant basis. For some, it could be anywhere from 1-6 months of your base rate in advance. The good news is, base rates are generally very low.

Your base rate cost will be determined by your accident history, if any, your credit score and a multitude of other factors. But, another great Metromile benefit is, if you do pay up front but wish to cancel later, you’ll be paid back the remaining months.

MetromileAuto Insurance Claims

Traditional insurance is based on a number of factors. This normally included things like the type of car, driving history, driving habits and your driving record. All these factors will produce your monthly bill, which could also be paid in installments on a credit card. Examples of a coverage option through Metromile could include:

Uninsured motorist coverage

Medical payments

Bodily injury insurance coverage

Liability coverage

Personal injury protection

Comprehensive coverage

Collision coverage

And other options

Metromile Review: App

The Metromile app free for all drivers, regardless if they’re insured with Metromile or not. It’s got plenty of useful features too. One neat example? The Metromile app will alert you if you’ve managed to park in a spot where street sweeping is scheduled.

This will save you money on parking tickets and fines, and it’s just one of the many perk. So there’s no need to worry about buying an insurance policy just to be able to use all the features. Just download it onto your phone, and benefit from the smart driving app.

Metromile: Bottom Line

Technology has allowed insurance providers like Metromile to cross all traditional boundaries.

If you drive a low number of miles, this will be a game changer for you.

You can report an accident and much more using the Metromile app.

Drive with confidence that you only pay for the actual miles you drive.

Traditional insurance providers estimate your mileage for premiums.

Because of the Metromilepulse device, you can access true pay per mile insurance. Just by plugging the device into your OBD-II port. This results in a discount that’s hard to beat.

Because of this, Metromile can offer the fairest rates versus just putting you under an umbrella rate. Plus, their mobile app is 10x more intuitive and useful than any other car insurance company app.

The bottom line isMetromile is 100% the absolute best pay-per-mile insurance company.

If you’re looking for the cheapest insurance in New Jersey,San Francisco, Illinois, Oregon orPennsylvania, get a quote from Metromile. You’ve got nothing to lose–and a lot to save.